Taiwan Entrepreneur Visa in 2026

Taiwan's Entrepreneur Visa is a residence pathway for qualifying innovative entrepreneurs. Applications can be made by an individual or by a startup team.

Current qualification examples

The National Immigration Agency lists multiple ways to qualify. Examples include:

  • obtaining qualifying domestic/foreign venture-capital or government-recognized crowdfunding investment of at least NT$2 million;
  • participating in a recognized startup park, accelerator or incubator;
  • holding qualifying patents or other recognized specialist skills;
  • winning recognized startup/design awards or qualifying government startup programs;
  • being otherwise recognized as innovative by the competent authority; or
  • having established a qualifying innovative startup in Taiwan and investing at least NT$1 million while serving in a responsible/executive role.

Team applications are generally limited to 3 people, unless a special joint-review approval allows more.

Residence duration and extension

Current NIA guidance states the first entrepreneur residence period is 2 years. Extensions can be granted for up to 2 years each when the Taiwan business meets continuation criteria.

Examples of continuation evidence include:

  • recent or three-year average annual revenue of at least NT$3 million;
  • recent or three-year average annual operating expenses of at least NT$1 million;
  • at least 3 full-time Taiwanese employees; or
  • other operational performance recognized as contributing to domestic economic development.

Holding entrepreneur residence is not the same as having unrestricted work permission for every activity. Work in Taiwan must still comply with the Employment Service Act and other applicable permit rules.

Official guidance: NIA Entrepreneur Visa guidance and BOCA resident visa procedure.

Related: investment residence, freelance/self-employment options, Taiwan hub, startup visas.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Taiwan, Province of China